Nick Rowe, senior vice president of American Water’s Central Division, will be returning to his role as president of Kentucky American Water on November 11. Rowe will be replacing Cheryl Norton, who was recently named as president of Missouri American Water.
Rowe previously headed up Kentucky American Water from 2004 to 2011, before moving into his current position with American Water’s Central Division, which includes Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee and Indiana. Rowe will continue in that role as well, according to an American Water media announcement.
In his various roles with American Water during the past three decades, Rowe has been credited with driving operational and financial performance for multiple states, establishing consistent best practices and enhancing the company’s efforts to build strong customer, regulatory, governmental and community relationships.
Rowe was at the helm of Kentucky American Water when the company staved off a local push for Lexington to gain municipal control of the water utility through condemnation. In a 2006 referendum, Lexington voters rejected the takeover attempt by a 20-point margin.
During his previous tenure in Kentucky, Rowe was credited with strengthening the company’s external relationships as American Water’s principal executive in the state.
“I’m delighted to see Nick return to Kentucky American Water,” said Walter Lynch, president and chief operating officer of American Water’s regulated operations, in a media release. “He brings a wealth of experience in the water utility industry, a passion for providing operating excellence and customer service, and a strong commitment to community involvement. Nick calls Kentucky home, and I know he is thrilled to be back in the Bluegrass State.”
Rowe has served on the executive board of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and as past chair of Commerce Lexington. He also has held board positions with the Lexington Industrial Foundation, the Central Bank Advisory Board and the United Way.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Western Kentucky University and a master’s in business administration from Lebanon Valley College.